Rotisserie Chicken with Fire & Ice Salsa

Rotisserie Chicken with Fire & Ice Salsa

1 cup chopped seeded watermelon
1 cup chopped strawberries
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeño pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 (3- to 4-pound) store-bought rotisserie chicken

Combine watermelon, strawberries, onion, jalapeño and mint in medium bowl. Pour olive oil and lime juice over salsa and sprinkle with sugar. Stir gently. Cover bowl and refrigerate. Salsa can be made up to 1 day in advance.

Bagna Cauda

Bagna Cauda

Bagna cauda, a warm, buttery Italian sauce with anchovies and garlic, is a great and way to enjoy an assortment of fresh veggies & meat. Steak, chicken, and shrimp all work well with this sauce; use them in any combination. Serve as a quick after-work meal, or as an hors d’oeuvre at your next party. Notes: If you don’t have the right-size fondue pot, use another heavy small pan that will sit stably over the heat source.

bagna-cauda-su-1140616-xAbout 1 pound cooked tender beef steak such as top sirloin; cooked boned, skinned chicken breast; and/or cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp (31 to 40 per lb.)

6 cups bite-size pieces zucchini, mushrooms, red bell peppers, fresh fennel, and/or drained canned artichoke hearts (choose 3 or 4)

1 baguette (8 oz.), thinly sliced

1/2 cup butter

1 cup olive oil

1/4 cup minced garlic

1 can (2 oz.) anchovies, drained and finely chopped

Cut steak and chicken across the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick and about 3 inches long. Arrange meat on a platter. Place vegetables and bread in baskets or dishes. In a 1- to 1 1/2-quart pan or metal fondue pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add oil, garlic, and anchovies; stir until mixture bubbles. Set pan over a candle or a medium-low alcohol or Canned Heat flame. Watch mixture and stir often so garlic doesn’t burn; adjust heat as needed. Use forks or long skewers to spear chicken, beef, shrimp, or vegetables, and swirl through butter mixture to coat; leave in longer to heat slightly, if desired. Transfer food to individual plates or a slice of baguette to eat. Stir butter mixture occasionally with food on fork.

Spiced Mussels with Oven Fries

Spiced Mussels with Oven Fries

5db16d2d-44c5-4e22-9845-29d523b22f9e2 (about 1 pound) large russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick fries

5 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 teaspoon hot paprika

1/4 teaspoon curry powder

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1 1/2 pound mussels, cleaned and debearded

 

Heat oven to 425 degrees F. 40 minutes before preparing mussels. Toss potatoes with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and spread out on a nonstick baking pan. Roast, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden — about 30 minutes. Ten minutes later, stir the mayonnaise, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and curry together. Cover and refrigerate.  After 5 minutes, heat the cumin, allspice, and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Keep warm. Ten more minutes, heat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add the mussels and cook, stirring occasionally, until mussels are open and juices have evaporated — about 5 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and toss in the seasoned olive oil. Serve immediately with the oven fries and spiced mayonnaise.

 Serves: 2

NOTE: Fresh mussels must be alive. To check, lightly tap the shell; if the mussel does not close its shell, discard it and any cooked mussels that have not opened.

 

 

 

 

 

spinach and corn pancakes

spinach and corn pancakes

½ C. whole-wheat flour
1 C. fat-free (skim) milk
2 T. vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 C. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 C. frozen whole corn kernels, thawed
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
Nonstick cooking spray

Measure flour into a large mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine milk, oil, and eggs, and mix well. Add milk mixture to flour, and mix until smooth. Add spinach, corn, and pepper to mixture, and stir well. Heat a large nonstick sauté pan or griddle. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Spoon batter ¼ cup at a time onto the pan. Cook each pancake for 2–3 minutes, or until the bottom holds together and is golden brown. Carefully flip and cook the second side for an additional 1–2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Yield: 16 pancakes
Serving Size: 4 Pancakes
Calories: 227
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 4g

Cheddar Goldfish Crackers with Peanut Butter Spread

Cheddar Goldfish Crackers with Peanut Butter Spread

CLV_goldfish-lgn1 cup all-purpose flour

4 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

8 ounce grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 tablespoon honey

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

 

Make the dough: Pulse the flour, butter, cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper together using a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Pulse in 3 to 4 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and only enough so that the dough forms a ball and rides the blade. Remove, wrap in plastic, and chill for 20 minutes or up to 24 hours. Make the spread: Stir the peanut butter, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and honey together until smooth. If desired, stir in the cayenne pepper for extra heat. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside until ready to serve. Bake the crackers: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking pans with parchment paper and set aside. Roll the dough out to 1/8th-inch thickness. Cut out as many crackers as possible using a 2-inch fish-shaped cutter. Place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking pans. Bake until golden and crisp — 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough and scraps. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Serve with peanut butter spread.

 

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

CLV_chickenfingers-tV7sZ8-lgn2 cup buttermilk

2 clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon hot-pepper sauce

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper

2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3- by 1/2-inch strips

1 package (7-ounce) sesame crispbread, such as WASA

6 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

 

Combine the buttermilk, garlic, hot-pepper sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 12 hours. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat 2 baking pans with oil and set aside. Crush the crispbread into coarse crumbs and place the crumbs in a large, shallow baking dish, toss in the melted butter, and set aside. Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat with the crumbs. Place on the prepared pans and bake, turning once, until golden and crisp — about 25 minutes.

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce

Baked Pork Chops with Apple Cranberry Sauce

For pork 670px-Make-Baked-Pork-Chops-With-Apple-Cranberry-Sauce-Step-4-Version-2chops:
4 boneless pork chops (about 3 oz. each)
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 medium orange, rinsed, for ¼ tsp. zest (use a grater to take a thin layer of skin off the orange; save the orange for garnish)
½ T. olive oil

For sauce:
¼ C. low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium apple, peeled and grated (about 1 C) (use a grater to make thin layers of apple)
½ cinnamon stick (or 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon)
1 bay leaf
½ C. dried cranberries (or substitute raisins)
½ C. 100 percent orange juice

Preheat oven to 350 ºF. Season pork chops with pepper and orange zest. In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pork chops, and cook until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Turn over and brown the second side, an additional 2 minutes. Remove pork chops from the pan, place them on a nonstick baking sheet, and put in the oven to cook for an additional 10 minutes (to a minimum internal temperature of 160 °F). Add chicken broth to the sauté pan and stir to loosen the flavorful brown bits. Set aside for later. Meanwhile, place grated apples, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the apples begin to soften. Add cranberries, orange juice, and saved broth with flavorful brown bits. Bring to a boil, and then lower to a gentle simmer. Simmer for up to 10 minutes, or until the cranberries are plump and the apples are tender. Remove the cinnamon stick. Peel the orange used for the zest, and cut it into eight sections for garnish. Serve one pork chop with ¼ cup of sauce and two orange segments

Meatball Soup

Meatball Soup

CLX0106COOK009-lg1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork

1 cup onion, finely chopped

4 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoon instant tapioca

1 (about 2 teaspoons) lemon zest

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon red pepper, crushed

3 tablespoon olive oil

6 cup low-sodium chicken broth

3 sprig fresh oregano, chopped

3 sprig parsley, chopped

1 1/2 tablespoon fresh oregano

1 1/2 tablespoon parsley

 

Mix the meats, 1/4 cup onion, half of the garlic, tapioca, zest, sugar, salt, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and 1 tablespoon water together in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small stockpot over low heat. Add the remaining 3/4 cup onion and 2 garlic cloves and cook until softened, stirring occasionally — 5 to 7 minutes. Add the broth, 3 cups water, remaining 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and the oregano and parsley sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and keep warm. Transfer the meat mixture and the herbs to a food processor and blend just until smooth — about 20 seconds. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and set aside. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs — 12 at a time — until browned. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the meatballs and continue to simmer until meatballs are cooked through — about 3 minutes. Serve hot.

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

 

Crunchy Chicken Fingers with Tangy Dipping Sauce

Crunchy Chicken Fingers with Tangy Dipping Sauce

½ tsp. crunchy-chicken-fingers crab seasoning (or substitute ¼ tsp. paprika and ¼ tsp. garlic powder for a sodium-free alternative)
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
1 T. whole-wheat flour
12 oz. boneless, skinless, chicken breast, cut into 12 strips
2 T. fat-free (skim) milk
1 egg white (or substitute 2 T. egg white substitute)
3 C. cornflake cereal, crushed

¼ C. ketchup
¼ C. 100 percent orange juice
¼ C. balsamic vinegar
2 T. honey
2 tsp. deli mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 400 ºF. Mix crab seasoning, pepper, and flour in a bowl. Add chicken strips, and toss well to coat evenly. Combine milk and egg white in a separate bowl, and mix well. Pour over seasoned chicken, and toss well. Place crushed cornflakes in a separate bowl. Dip each chicken strip into the cornflakes, and coat well. Place strips on a nonstick baking sheet. (Discard any leftover cornflake mixture.) Bake chicken strips for 10–12 minutes (to a minimum internal temperature of 165 ºF). Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining all ingredients and mixing well. Serve three chicken strips with ¼ cup dipping sauce.

Zesty Vegetable Lasagna

Zesty Vegetable Lasagna

CLX0106Cook098-de2 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

3 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 large egg

1 teaspoon (each) salt, pepper, crushed red pepper

2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 pound Cremini mushrooms, roughly chopped

1 large onion, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick

2 (each) red and yellow bell peppers, seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick strips

12 ounce fresh baby spinach

4 1/2 cup marinara sauce

1 pound no-boil lasagna noodles, such as Barilla

1 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4-inch thick

 

Make the fillings: Combine the ricotta and Pecorino Romano cheeses, garlic, herbs, and egg with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper and the crushed red pepper in a bowl and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, onions, and peppers and cook until slightly softened, about 4 more minutes. Add the spinach and remaining 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss and cook until spinach is wilted and tender, about 2 minutes. Set aside. Assemble the lasagna: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour 1 1/2 cups sauce into a deep-dish lasagna pan. Layer 5 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the cooked vegetables and a third of the mozzarella. Layer with 5 more noodles and spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with 1 cup of sauce and add another layer of noodles. Add the remaining vegetables, another third of the mozzarella, and a layer of noodles. Spread on the remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup of sauce, and the last layer of noodles. Add the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake until bubbly, about 1 hour, 20 minutes. Let the lasagna cool slightly before serving.

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

 

Lemony Tuna Salad

Lemony Tuna Salad

1/4 C. mpicRWdzGVayonnaise
4 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
Salt and pepper
1 6oz can solid white tuna, drained
1 C. canned white beans, rinsed
1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/2″ cubes
1/4 C. finely chopped red onion
1 large head romaine lettuce, shredded
1 C. cherry tomatoes, chopped

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice and lemon peel; season with salt and pepper. Add the tuna, breaking it apart slightly with a fork, then the beans, cucumber and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange the romaine in 4 large plates and top with the tuna salad and tomatoes.

Chocolate Domino Cookies

Chocolate Domino Cookies

CLX0106COOK001-lg1 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light-brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup large white chocolate chips

 

Sift the cocoa, flour, and salt together into a medium bowl and set aside. Beat the butter and sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and gradually add the cocoa mixture. Add the vanilla extract and cream and beat until a dough forms. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut 16 2- by 4-inch rectangles, and place on baking sheets. Score each rectangle in the middle — the short way — and press in the chips to create dominos. Place the cookies on a prepared baking sheet. Chill for 15 minutes. Bake for 13 minutes. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.

 

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

Peruvian Causa with Potato, Crabmeat and Avocado

Peruvian Causa with Potato, Crabmeat and Avocado

3/4 pound new potatoes, scrubbed
1 1/2 teaspoon Creole mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Spanish sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
1 cup corn kernels, blanched in boiling water for 1 minute
1/2 cup inner celery ribs, rinsed and finely chopped
1 cup crabmeat
1 Hass avocado
1/4 cup olives, Niçoise or arbequina, pitted and chopped
1 tomato, skinned, seeded and chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced

Place the potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 30 minutes. Drain and chill. Whisk the mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, oil, Tabasco sauce and thyme together in a bowl. Peel the potatoes and dice into 1/4-inch cubes. Combine diced potatoes, corn, celery and crabmeat. Toss with dressing. Gently fold in avocado, olives and tomato. Season with salt and pepper. Top with the chopped chives.

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

1 can (20 1/2 ounce) pineapple rings in pineapple juice

12 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

1/2 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed

1/3 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Drain the pineapples and discard the juice. Place the pineapples on six layers of paper towel and allow the excess liquid to absorb for 5 minutes. Flip the rings over onto a dry spot of the towel and repeat. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter, pour it into a 10-inch round cake pan, and sprinkle with the brown sugars. Arrange the pineapple rings in a single layer over the brown sugars, sprinkle with the nuts, and set aside. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside. Lightly beat the eggs, yolks, and vanilla together in a small bowl and set aside. Beat the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and alternately mix in the flour mixture and egg mixture. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean — about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes on wire rack. Run a small, sharp knife around the edge of the pan to release cake.

 

Game Night Menu

Goldfish Crackers & Dip

Crispy Oven Chicken Fingers

Meatball Soup

Garlic & Herb Bread

Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted Leeks & Carrots

Domino Cookies

Classic Pineapple Upside-Down Cake 

Garlic and Herb Bread: Sprinkle a halved loaf with olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, then wrap in foil and bake. 

Roasted Root Vegetables: Cut vegetables (leeks, carrots) to similar-size pieces, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb such as dill or rosemary and roast at 375 degrees F until fork-tender (watch; some vegetables will cook a little faster than others).

Apple, Pecan, and Blue Cheese Salad with Dried Cherries

Apple, Pecan, and Blue Cheese Salad with Dried Cherries

12 ounces Salad Greens (spring Mix)

2 whole Apples, Cored and Sliced Very Thin

1/2 cup Pecan Halves

1/4 cup Dried Cherries

6 ounces, weight Blue Cheese, cut into Chunks

1 Tablespoon (heaping) Dijon Mustard

1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup (more To Taste)

1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (more To Taste)

1/4 cup Olive Oil

Salt And Pepper, to taste

6648588063_f4266bfe72_z

Add greens, apple slices, pecan halves, dried cherries, and blue cheese chunks into a large salad bowl. In a small jar, mix Dijon, maple syrup, vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Put the lid on the jar and shake well to mix. Pour a little salad dressing over the top of the salad and toss to combine. Taste salad and add more salad dressing to taste.

Three Cheese Tortellini with Dandelion Pesto

Three Cheese Tortellini with Dandelion Pesto

6 oupestonces dandelion greens, rinsed, chopped and spun dry in a salad spinner
¼ cup pine nuts
½ cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 package Buitoni three cheese tortellini

In a food processor, process dandelion greens, pine nuts, grated cheese, chopped garlic and kosher salt until the greens are finely chopped. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the food processor while running, stopping to scrape down the sides and process again until the mixture reaches the consistency of pesto. Place pesto in bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. Boil tortellini according to package directions and drain pot. Add enough pesto to hot pasta in pot to thoroughly coat pasta and toss. Transfer to serving bowl and serve while hot. Remaining pesto can be refrigerated for up to a week and used in other dishes.

Roast Chicken with Herbed Cream Sauce

Roast Chicken with Herbed Cream Sauce

chicken-cream-sauce_3001/4 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as flat-leaf parsley, chives, and basil)

1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, giblets removed

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

 

Adjust oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 450° F. Place a rack in a large ovenproof skillet or small roasting pan. Pat the chicken dry and place it in the pan. Tuck the wings beneath the chicken, as if it were placing its arms behind its head. Rub the oil over the skin. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Toss 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining salt into the cavity. Roast for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup water and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the thigh meat registers 165° F on a meat thermometer, about 40 minutes more. Use a spatula to loosen the chicken. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, transfer the bird to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Place the pan containing the drippings over medium heat. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half. Add the wine and broth and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Add the cream. Remove from heat. Strain the sauce, if desired. Stir in the herbs, 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Spoon the sauce over the carved chicken.

Brownie Cupcakes

Brownie Cupcakes

brownie1/2 pound softened unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups light brown sugar
5 large eggs at room temperature
5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
1 medium overripe banana, mashed
1 recipe White Chocolate Frosting

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 12-well muffin pan with paper liners; set aside. In a large bowl and using an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add chocolate and vanilla extract, and mix well. In a small bowl, combine flour and nuts. Alternately add flour mixture and mashed banana to chocolate mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups; bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Top with White Chocolate Frosting.
White Chocolate Frosting

1 cup softened unsalted butter
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
7 ounces good-quality white chocolate, melted and cooled
4 T. heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. clear vanilla extract (if you can find it – keeps the frosting very white)

In a large bowl, and using an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt together for 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add white chocolate, cream, and vanilla extract. Beat at high speed for 5 to 6 minutes, periodically scraping down sides of bowl, until smooth and thick.

Roast Chicken with Balsamic, Raisin and Pine Nut Sauce

Roast Chicken with Balsamic, Raisin and Pine Nut Sauce

raisins-bowls_3001/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons raisins

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, giblets removed

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

Kosher salt and black pepper

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

 

Adjust oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 450° F. Place a rack in a large ovenproof skillet or small roasting pan. Pat the chicken dry and place it in the pan. Tuck the wings beneath the chicken, as if it were placing its arms behind its head. Rub the oil over the skin. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss 1/2 teaspoon salt into the cavity.  Roast for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup water and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the thigh meat registers 180° F on a meat thermometer, about 40 minutes more. Use a spatula to loosen the chicken. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, transfer the bird to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Place the pan containing the drippings over medium heat. Add the vinegar and broth and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Strain the sauce, if desired. Stir in the pine nuts, raisins, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add the butter and tilt the pan to swirl until it melts. Spoon the sauce over the carved chicken.

 

 

Creamed Peas

Creamed Peas

2 T. buCreamedPeas1tter
2 T. chopped shallot
2 T. dried tarragon
1 pound frozen green peas, thawed
2/3 cup water
2 T. coarse-ground mustard
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup whole milk

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add shallot and tarragon, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add peas, water, mustard, salt, sour cream, and milk, stirring until smooth and creamy. Cook until peas are heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately

Cheese and Chorizo Souffle (Mexico)

Cheese and Chorizo Souffle (Mexico)

1⁄2 cup chorizo
4 eggs, separated
1⁄2 cup masa harina
4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups milk
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 T. butter or margarine

Stir-fry the chorizo until red color is gone. Lift out of pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan, mix masa with milk. Add butter and heat, stirring, until mixture boils. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Beat egg yolks, stir in a little of the hot masa, then put that mixture in with rest of masa. Heat, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and salt. Stir in sausage and let cool to lukewarm. With clean beaters, beat egg whites until stiff-but-still-moist peaks form. Fold egg whites into masa mixture. Bake about 50 minutes. 4 servings.

Orange, Soy, and Five-Spice Rub Chicken

Orange, Soy, and Five-Spice Rub Chicken

orange-peels_3003 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, giblets removed

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 teaspoons grated orange zest

2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce

2 teaspoons five-spice powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons honey

1/2 orange, cut into wedges

 

Adjust oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 450° F. In a small bowl, combine the oil, orange zest, soy sauce, five-spice powder, ginger, pepper, and honey. Use your fingers to carefully loosen the skin from the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. Spread the mixture evenly under the skin. Place the orange wedges inside the cavity. .Place a rack in a large ovenproof skillet or small roasting pan. Place the chicken in the pan. Tuck the wings beneath the chicken, as if it were placing its arms behind its head. Roast for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup water and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the thigh meat registers 180° F on a meat thermometer, about 40 minutes more. Use a spatula to loosen the chicken. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, transfer the bird to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Mache-Radicchio Salad with Chèvre

Mache-Radicchio Salad with Chèvre

4 T. wMacheRadicchioSaladalnut oil
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
16 ounces radicchio, washed and sliced
1 (4-ounce) package mâche
1 (4-ounce) package chèvre, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In a small bowl whisk together the walnut oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined; set aside. In a large bowl toss together the radicchio and mâche. Divide greens evenly among serving plates, and sprinkle each serving evenly with chèvre and walnuts. Drizzle each with dressing. Serve immediately.

Roast Chicken with Moroccan Spice Rub

Roast Chicken with Moroccan Spice Rub

moroccan-chicken_3001 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons curry powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 handful fresh cilantro sprigs

1 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken, giblets removed

 

Adjust oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 450° F. Place a rack in a large ovenproof skillet or small roasting pan. Pat the chicken dry and place it in the pan. Tuck the wings beneath the chicken, as if it were placing its arms behind its head. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, curry, ginger, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cayenne in a small bowl. Add the oil and combine. Use your fingers to carefully loosen the skin from the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks. Spread the spice mixture evenly under the skin. Place the cilantro inside the cavity. Roast for 20 minutes. Add 1 cup water and roast until the chicken is cooked through and the thigh meat registers 165° F on a meat thermometer, about 40 minutes more. Use a spatula to loosen the chicken. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, transfer the bird to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. If making a pan sauce, reserve the drippings.

Brandied Pumpkin Soup

Brandied Pumpkin Soup

Brandied Pumpkin Soup

1/2 C. butter
1/2 C. chopped onion
1/2 tsp. each ground ginger and nutmeg
3-1/2 C. chicken broth
3 C. canned pumpkin
1 C. half-and-half
2 T. brandy
Salt and pepper to taste
Crouton Garnish

In saucepan, cook onion in melted butter until transparent Blend in spices and broth. Bring to a boil. Blend in pumpkin and half-and-half. Reduce heat. Stir occasionally until soup is hot. Stir in brandy. Season to taste. Garnish with croutons. Makes 2 quarts.

Dandelion Greens Salad with Tarragon and Shallot Vinaigrette

Dandelion Greens Salad with Tarragon and Shallot Vinaigrette

Dandelion-Greens-Recipe jpg1 large bunch dandelion greens, tough stems removed
6 to 8 slices pancetta, cooked until crisp and broken into bite-size pieces
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 recipe Tarragon and Shallot Vinaigrette

In a large bowl, toss together the dandelion greens, pancetta, pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with just enough Tarragon and Shallot Vinaigrette to lightly coat greens. Serve immediately.

Tarragon and Shallot Vinaigrette

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup Champagne vinegar
2 tsp. chopped shallot
2 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

In a small bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, shallot, tarragon, salt, and pepper; whisk to combine. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Thai Coconut Curried Salmon with Greens

Thai Coconut Curried Salmon with Greens

salmon2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 cup thinly sliced onion

2 teaspoons curry powder

1 cup light coconut milk

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon bottled minced ginger

1 tablespoon fish sauce

2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon chile paste with garlic

1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice

1 (1-pound) salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 3/4-inch cubes

6 cups trimmed watercress (about 2 bunches)

 

Heat vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and curry powder; sauté 4 minutes. Add coconut milk and the next 7 ingredients (coconut milk through clam juice). Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes. Add fish; cover and cook 4 minutes. Arrange watercress evenly over fish; cover and cook 4 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

 

Microwave Caramels

Microwave Caramels

microwave-caramels-edit+text21/2 cup unsalted butter (don’t use salted it will splatter like crazy)
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/8 tsp salt
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
Maldon sea salt or fleur de sel (optional)

Directions
Butter an 8 by 8-inch baking dish. Place butter in a large microwave safe bowl (not anything plastic, something micro safe glass or ceramic), heat in microwave until melted.
To bowl with butter, add corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk and salt and whisk mixture very well. Return to microwave and cook mixture on HIGH power for 6 to 7 minutes (I recommend taking it out around 6 and testing either with a candy thermometer which should register between 238 – 242 degrees or placing a small spoon of the caramel in a bowl of ice water then remove it from the water and it should have formed a small pliable ball – nothing too soft or too hard. If it needs a little more time return to microwave and heat in 20 second increments. Mine was done at 6 minutes 20 seconds but will will vary slightly based on the wattage of your microwave and the size of the bowl you use).
Using hot pads, carefully remove bowl from microwave. Add in vanilla extract and mix well. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top lightly with Maldon sea salt or fleur de sel. Place in refrigerator until set, about 20 – 30 minutes. Cut into rectangular pieces (I cut into rows slightly less than 1/2-inch then cut each row into three) and wrap in cut rectangles of wax paper.

No-Knead Bread

No-Knead Bread

Yields one 1 1/2 pound loaf

3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, more for dusting
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Cornmeal or wheat bran as needed.

1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add 1 5/8 cups water, and stir until blended; dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 12 hours, preferably about 18, at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.

2. Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it; sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes.

3. Using just enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, gently and quickly shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton towel (not terry cloth) with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal; put dough seam side down on towel and dust with more flour, bran or cornmeal. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hours. When it is ready, dough will be more than double in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.

4. At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450°F. Put a 6- to 8-quart heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove pot from oven. Slide your hand under towel and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; it may look like a mess, but that is O.K. Shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed; it will straighten out as it bakes. Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes, until loaf is beautifully browned. Cool on a rack.

Cucumbers Stuffed With Crab-Mango Salad

Cucumbers Stuffed With Crab-Mango Salad

1 lime, zest finely grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 mango, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
1/3 cup diced (1/4-inch) red bell peppers
1/3 cup diced (1/4-inch) red onion
1/2 jalapeno, stemmed and cut into small dice (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 pound jumbo lump crabmeat
2 English cucumbers
cilantro, for garnishing

Squeeze the juice from the lime into a bowl. Add the olive oil and cilantro and whisk well. Add the mango, red pepper, onion, jalapeno, and lime zest and toss to coat. Gently stir in the crabmeat to keep it from breaking up. Set aside while preparing the cucumbers.

Wash the cucumbers and peel evenly-spaced strips around the cucumber. Cut the cucumbers into 1-inch-thick rounds, discarding the ends. Using a small spoon, scoop the seeds and some of the flesh out of each round to form a small cup. (Don’t scoop all the way through the cucumber round.)

Fill the cucumber cups with crab salad and garnish with a sprig of cilantro. Serve right away.

Orange & Jicama Pico de Gallo (Rooster’s Bill)

Orange & Jicama Pico de Gallo (Rooster’s Bill)

1 1⁄2 cups chopped jicama
Salt to taste
2 oranges, sectioned to remove membranes
Chile powder
Juice of 1 lemon

Cut orange sections into 2 or 3 pieces each. Mix jicama, oranges, lemon juice and salt. Chill. Serve in cocktail glasses or custard cups with chile powder sprinkled on top.

Lemon Cake

Lemon Cake

lemon cakeYield: 2 loaf cakes (or one bundt)

2 sticks (225 grams or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 1/2 cups (500 grams) sugar
4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1/3 cup grated lemon zest (6 to 8 large lemons)
3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon (5 grams) kosher salt
3/4 cup (175 ml) plus 3 1/2 tablespoons (50 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 cup (175 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 cups (240 grams) confectioners’ sugar, sifted.

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 8 1/2-by-4 1/4-by-2 1/2-inch loaf pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Cream butter and 2 cups sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Mixing at medium speed, add eggs, one at a time, and lemon zest.

3. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 1/4 cup lemon juice, buttermilk and vanilla. Add flour and buttermilk mixtures alternately to butter and sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Divide batter evenly between pans, smooth tops, and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until a cake tester comes out clean.

4. Combine 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup lemon juice in a small saucepan, and cook over low heat until sugar dissolves.

5. When cakes are done, let them cool 10 minutes. Invert them onto a rack set over a tray, and spoon lemon syrup over cakes. Let cakes cool completely.

6. For glaze, combine confectioners’ sugar and remaining 3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice in a bowl, mixing with a whisk until smooth. Pour over top of cakes, and allow glaze to drizzle down the sides.

Chimichurri Shrimp

Chimichurri Shrimp

1c075481037cde6321afe47f005303263 large bunch cilantro, stems removed
1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley, stems removed
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 3 limes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

3 pounds raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons heavy cream

Lime-herb rice (recipe below)

Place the cilantro, parsley and garlic into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until chopped. Transfer to a bowl and stir in lime juice, cumin, cayenne pepper, and olive oil. Place the shrimp in a separate bowl and pour half of the chimichurri sauce over them. Stir to coat the shrimp. Cover bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours. Remove shrimp from the fridge. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink. Cut into one to make sure it has cooked all the way through. In a saucepan, combine the remaining chimichurri and heavy cream. Cook over low-medium heat and stir. Once the sauce has heated, remove and pour over shrimp. Serve with lime-herb rice

Lime-Herb Rice

1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Juice of 2 limes
1/2 cup parsley
1/2 cup cilantro
1/2 cup pine nuts

Bring 3 cups of water and 1/2 a teaspoon kosher salt to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 18 minutes. Take the lid off and let sit for 5 minutes. While the rice is resting, place the parsley, cilantro, and garlic cloves into the bowl of a food processor. While running the food processor, drizzle in the olive oil and lime juice. Season with the remaining salt. Lightly toast the pine nuts in a pan, making sure not to burn them. Toss the rice with the herb mixture. Stir in the toasted pine nuts.

Balthazar Cream of Mushroom Soup

Balthazar Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 ounce dried mushrooms (porcini, morels, or shitakes)
1/2 cup olive oil
2 sprigs of rosemary
4 sprigs of sage
1 large yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground white pepper
1 pound white button mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
1 pound shitake mushrooms stemmed, cleaned and thinly sliced
6 cups chicken stock or water
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

soup

1. Soak the dry mushrooms in 1 cup of warm water for 20 to 30 minutes, until plump.

2. Strain the soaking liquid through a coffee filter to remove grit and reserve, along with the reconstituted mushrooms, until needed.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over a medium flame. Bundle the rosemary and sage together and tie with kitchen twine. When the oil is hot, add the herb bundle and sizzle for a few minutes on both sides to infuse the oil.

4. Add the onion, garlic, salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent but not brown.

5. Turn the flame to high and add the white mushrooms and shitakes.

6. Cook for 10 minutes, during which the mushrooms will give off their liquid (which should evaporate quickly due to the high heat) and deflate significantly. Stir occasionally.

7. Add the chicken stock and the dried mushrooms along with the soaking water.

8. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the herbs, then add the cream and butter. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender until smooth. Return to the pot and keep at a very low simmer until ready to serve.

Rolls of Serrano Ham with Smoked Salmon Mousse

Rolls of Serrano Ham with Smoked Salmon Mousse

6 slices of Serrano ham, very thinly sliced
5 oz smoked salmon
1/4 l. fresh cream
4 sheets gelatin
4 tablespoons tomato sauce
1 1/2 onion
1 cup brandy
Salt and pepper

Dice serrano ham and onion. Put butter in a saucepan and sauté the onion at a low temperature. Add salmon, salt, pepper, tomato sauce and brandy. When the mixture has almost evaporated, add soaked sheets of gelatin, Puree. Pour mixture through a sieve to make a smooth cream. Allow to cool. Whip the cream with a pinch of salt and white pepper; add cream to the smoked salmon, stirring slowly. Allow mixture to cool for two hours. Spread the mousse on the slices of serrano ham and roll up.

Crab Salad on Cucumber Rounds

Crab Salad on Cucumber Rounds

44179_original1 or 2 stalks fresh lemon grass (each 10 to 12 in. long) or 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel (yellow part only)

12 fresh or thawed frozen kaffir lime leaf sections (each 1 1/2 to 2 in. long) or 1 tablespoon grated lime peel (green part only)

1/3 pound shelled cooked crab

1/4 cup thinly slivered shallots

1 tablespoon finely shredded carrot

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves

1 tablespoon chopped green onion

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 1/2 teaspoons Thai roasted-chili paste (purchased or homemade)

1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce or salt to taste

1 teaspoon sugar

About 8 ounces English cucumber

 

Rinse lemon grass. Cut off and discard tough tops and root ends; peel off and discard tough outer green layers of stalks down to tender white parts. Finely chop enough to make 1/4 cup. Rinse kaffir lime leaves. Stack three or four leaves at a time and cut crosswise into very fine shreds. In a bowl, mix lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, crab, shallots, carrot, cilantro, mint, and green onion. In a small bowl, mix lime juice, chili paste, fish sauce (but not salt, if using), and sugar. Just before serving, stir lime-juice mixture into crab mixture. If not using fish sauce, add salt to taste. Rinse cucumber and cut crosswise into about 24 rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Top each slice with a scant tablespoon crab mixture.

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 36

Fat: .7g

Fiber:

 

California Thai Garden Supper Menu: 

Crab Salad on Cucumber Rounds

Glass Noodle Salad with Shrimp & Chicken

Thai Green Curry Fish

Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Mango

 

Bacon-Avocado Griddle Pizza

Bacon-Avocado Griddle Pizza

Bacon-Avocado-Griddle-Pizza1 C. lukewarm water (105-115 degrees)
2 1/4 C. flour
1 pkg. active dry yeast (1/4oz)
1 tsp. sugar
Salt
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 shallot, thinly sliced crosswise
1/4 C. EVOO, plus more for brushing
1 T. balsamic vinegar
Pepper
3 avocados
1 12oz package bacon
1 bunch watercress

In a large glass, whisk together the water, 1 T. flour, the yeast and sugar; let stand until foamy, about 6 minutes. Using a food processor, combine the remaining flour and 1 tsp. salt. With the machine on, pour in the yeast mixture and process until the dough forms a ball. Mix for another minute, then transfer to a large greased bowl, turning the dough to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, shallot, olive oil and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature. In a medium bowl, mash the avocados; press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to cover. Preheat a large skillet; add the bacon and cook, turning once, until crisp, 12-15 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Preheat a griddle over high heat or an electric griddle to 400. On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough into 4 pieces, then flatten each one into a disk. Stretch each disk into a 10″ round (if dough is too elastic, let rest for 5 minutes). Brush one side of each round with olive oil and, working in batches if necessary, transfer to the griddle, oiled sides down. Cook, lightly brushing the tops with more oil and flipping once, until browned, about 6 minutes on each side. Transfer to a cutting board. Spread the avocado evenly on each crust, leaving 3/4″ border. Toss the watercress with the tomato mixture and scatter over the pizzas. Crumble the bacon on top.

Glass Noodle Salad with Chicken & Shrimp

Glass Noodle Salad with Chicken & Shrimp

This colorful salad has a light, sweet-tart dressing punctuated by pickled garlic. The salad and dressing can be prepared through step 2 up to 1 day ahead; cover separately and chill.

 

6d746b276ffcdc76b8bbcc1a18d11cdf0 ounces boned, skinned chicken breast

4 ounces dried bean threads (saifun) or dried angel hair pasta

6 ounces shelled cooked tiny shrimp, rinsed

1/2 cup slivered red onion

1/2 cup chopped pickled garlic (purchased or homemade)

1/4 cup slivered red or yellow bell pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons chopped green onion

3 tablespoons liquid from pickled garlic

3 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons sugar

About 1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce or about 1/2 teaspoon salt

5 cups baby arugula leaves or baby salad mix (5 oz.), rinsed and crisped

 

In a 3- to 4-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 to 2 quarts water to a boil. Meanwhile, rinse chicken; chop into 1/4-inch pieces. Add bean threads or angel hair pasta to boiling water and stir to separate; cook until barely tender to bite, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in chicken and cook just until chicken is white in center of thickest part (cut to test) and noodles are tender, about 1 minute. Drain noodles and chicken; rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly. In a bowl, combine noodle mixture with shrimp, red onion, pickled garlic, bell pepper, cilantro, and green onion. In a small bowl, mix liquid from pickled garlic, lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce to taste. Just before serving, combine dressing with noodle mixture. Divide arugula equally among dinner plates, or arrange all on a large platter. Mound glass noodle salad on or next to greens. Drizzle any remaining dressing left in bowl over arugula.

 

Yield: 8 Servings

Calories: 157

Fat: .9g

Fiber: 1g

 

California Thai Garden Supper Menu: 

Crab Salad on Cucumber Rounds

Glass Noodle Salad with Shrimp & Chicken

Thai Green Curry Fish

Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Mango

Thai Green Curry Fish

Thai Green Curry Fish

curry-fish-su-1010517-x1 star anise or 3/4 teaspoon anise seeds

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon coriander seeds

1 cup canned coconut milk

Green curry paste

1 3/4 cups fat-skimmed chicken broth

1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves or regular sweet basil leaves, rinsed

2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

6 fresh or thawed frozen kaffir lime leaf sections (each 1 1/2 to 2 in. long) 2 teaspoons grated lime peel (green part only)

3 pounds boned, skinned halibut or catfish fillets

1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 pounds green beans, rinsed and stem ends trimmed

1 red bell pepper (about 6 oz.), rinsed, stemmed, seeded, and slivered

2 teaspoons cornstarch

6 to 8 cups hot cooked brown or jasmine rice

1/4 cup finely slivered fresh basil leaves

Salt and pepper

 

Break star anise into small pieces. In a 10- to 12-inch frying pan over medium-high heat, stir star anise or anise seeds, cumin, and coriander until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour spices into a blender and whirl until finely ground, or pour into a mortar and grind with a pestle. Add coconut milk to frying pan; stir often over medium-high heat until milk is bubbly and fat begins to separate, 2 to 6 minutes (reduce heat if milk splatters out of pan). Add all the curry paste and stir until aromatic, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 1 1/4 cups broth, ground spices, whole basil leaves, fish sauce, and sugar. Rinse kaffir lime leaves, tear each in half, and stir into sauce; set aside. Rinse fish and pat dry; cut into eight equal pieces and arrange in a 12- by 16-inch baking pan. Drizzle oil over fish and turn pieces to coat; set slightly apart. Bake in a 400° regular or convection oven until fish is barely opaque but still moist-looking in center of thickest part (cut to test), 10 to 15 minutes for halibut, 8 to 10 minutes for catfish. Meanwhile, in a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring 2 1/2 to 3 quarts water to a boil. Add beans and cook until almost tender to bite, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper, then drain immediately. Just before fish is done, stir green curry sauce over high heat until hot again. In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup broth with 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Add to hot curry sauce and stir until it boils and thickens, about 1 minute. If desired, remove kaffir lime leaves. Mound hot rice on eight dinner plates. Lay fish on top and scatter beans and pepper strips around fish. Spoon curry sauce over and around fish. Sprinkle slivered basil over the top. Or serve fish, sauce, and vegetables on a large platter, with rice in a bowl alongside. Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

 

Yield: 8 servings

Calories: 542

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 5.3g

 

California Thai Garden Supper Menu: 

Crab Salad on Cucumber Rounds

Glass Noodle Salad with Shrimp & Chicken

Thai Green Curry Fish

Coconut Tapioca Pudding with Mango

Israeli Couscous with Butternut Squash and Preserved Lemons

Israeli Couscous with Butternut Squash and Preserved Lemons

cc1 1/2-pounds (700 g) butternut squash, peeled and seeded
3 T. olive oil
Salt
1 large onion, peeled and minced
1 3/4 C. (280 g) Israeli couscous, or Italian pepe-style pasta
1 small cinnamon stick
1 preserved lemon
1/2 C. (60 g) golden raisins
1/4 C. (30 g) dried cherries or cranberries, coarsely chopped (optional)
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 C. (60 g) chopped flat-leaf parsley
2/3 C. pine nuts, toasted (see Note)

Preheat the oven to 475F (245C). Cut the squash into 1/4-inch (1 cm) cubes and toss them with 1 T. of olive oil and a seasoning of salt in a large baking dish or pan. Cook on the upper rack of the oven until the squash is just tender, about 15 minutes. (Don’t overcook.) While the squash is cooking, heat the remaining 2 T. of olive oil in a skillet and cook the onions over medium-high heat with a bit of salt until translucent. As the squash and onions are finished, scrape them into a large bowl. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Israeli couscous with the cinnamon stick until tender, about 10 minutes. While the couscous cooks, cut the preserved lemon in quarters and scoop of the insides, which you should reserve. Dice the lemon into 1/4-inch (1 cm) cubes, add them to the squash, then press the reserved flesh through a strainer to extract the liquid, and add the liquid to the squash. Drain, but don’t rinse the couscous. Discard the cinnamon stick. Add the couscous to the bowl of squash, then add the raisins, cherries or cranberries (if using), ground cinnamon, parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Serving: Serve warm, although it can also be served at room temperature.

Do-Ahead Tip: You can make this ahead, up to one day in advance, and rewarm it before serving. If so, leave the parsley and toasted pine nuts out, and mix them in right before serving.